Three Great Weekend Vacations

Monday hasn't even closed out as an official day and you already know it will be one of those weeks. A week where you want to sell your boss, lock the cat outside just to be mean, and fantasize about a world where you are allowed to ram the car in front of you and throw it's imbecilic driver over the bridge. If you have never had one of those weeks, step away from the article now and go back to playing with your imaginary friend. For the other 99.9% of us, there is hope. A weekend mini-vacation!

Weekends were made to keep us sane. Unfortunately, too often we waste them by laying in a brain dead stupor in front of our televisions, thinking it takes just too much work to go anywhere. Playing is not work! It is what keeps us young, vital, and happy. Even when you come home tired from a vacation, it is a healthy tired.

So instead of spending the money on pizza, beer, or soda while becoming one with your sofa, use it to get away for a couple days. Drive, fly, walk, or even raft your way to a quick weekend vacation! Even if you don't have time for the perfect weekend jaunt to Paris, the U.S. is full of wonderful, diverse sights and entertainment from coast to coast.

Big Bear Lake, CA, 88 miles outside of Los Angeles, offers visitors a wide variety of activities and lodging. Surrounded by the San Bernardino National Forest, this city located on the shore of Southern California's largest natural water lake in San Bernardino County, is far from the visions of sandy beaches that normally dance through your head when you think of California. Stunning mountain scenery, ski slopes and world class spas, combined with four seasons of fun and relaxation create the perfect weekend destination all year long.

Popular for skiing since the 1920's the slopes often have a good snow pack clear into April and draw snowboarders and skiers trying to get in that last bit of winter adrenalin. Fishing, hiking, mountain biking, boating, or a relaxing day of golf or a trip to a spa make sure there is an activity for everyone in the family, even the family pet. If you are looking for luxury, there are hotels on the Las Vegas end of spectacular, or you can opt to enjoy the simple life in a rustic cabin. Just breathing the fresh air is enough to make Big Bear a good place to escape for a weekend or even a day.

Driving to Big Bear from Los Angeles or Orange County take interstate 10 east to interstate 210 north, follow to Hwy 330 to Hwy 18. Those coming out of Las Vegas area would take interstate 15 to Barstow; take the 247 Big Bear exit then left on Hwy 18.

For information on lodging and activities or on-line reservations visit their website at bigbear.com.

Western Coloradooffers so many great places to go for the weekend; I decided not to mention only one place. From skiing and golf in Vail or Aspen, relaxing in natural hot springs in unique Glenwood Springs or hiking in the Glenwood Canyon, rafting the Colorado River, to visiting wineries in Palisade -- Western Colorado will give you a weekend you will never forget. In fact, half its residents are those who came to visit but never left!

For those living near Denver an early morning drive over the breath stealing beauty of Vail Pass during the summer months is a get-a-way all in itself. Some of the best Rocky Mountain Scenery available is right on the I-70 corridor. In the winter, the mountain becomes a bit sinister for those who don't like driving in snow and ice, but if in doubt, you can catch one of the Mountain Shuttles that will take you from Denver to Vail, Glenwood Springs, or even Aspen.

A little over two hours will get you to the magnificent cliffs of Glenwood Canyon where those with more physical fortitude can take the hike up to Hanging Lake. This secluded mountain lake is worth every little huff and puff of the short, but slightly intense (steep) hike to get there. Following the trail on above the lake takes you to the water falls that spill directly out of the face of a cliff. The whole place has a mystical aura that makes you feel you have just stepped into a place of pure, earth magic that washes away all the stress of our fast paced world.

Afterwards, a short drive through the remainder of Glenwood Canyon takes you to Glenwood Springs where you can soak your body in the world's largest hot springs pool or relax and cleanse in the Hot Caves. Glenwood Springs has a multitude of activities including a trip into the earth to view the "Fairy Caves" of Glenwood Caverns, or even rafting on the Colorado River during the spring and summer. A room at the historic Hotel Colorado, Hotel Denver, or the Glenwood Springs Pool Lodge followed with a trip to The Bayou Restaurant for a taste of Louisiana or a burger and beer at the Brewing Company finishes off a perfect day.

From Glenwood Springs, you can easily travel to Aspen for a taste of "high" mountain living, or even on to Palisade and Grand Junction for a taste of some of the best Colorado wine ...all in one weekend. Flying into Western Colorado is an option for those who are tired of driving. Daily flights take you into Grand Junction and Aspen, and seasonal flights into Eagle/Vail.

Lake Erie Islands, near Port Clinton, OH has millions of visitors each year but is still a great place for a weekend destination, especially if you have a long weekend. Miles of pristine beaches, sparkling water, and a feeling of sudden reconnection with our beautiful planet envelop you almost immediately. Not just for thrill seekers looking for adventure parks, Lake Erie Islands also beckon to history buffs, bikers, nature lovers, and even avid "I don't want to move" beach ornaments.

Each of the three main islands has a different atmosphere, one peaceful, one a bit crazy and adventurous, and the other a mixture of both. Port Clinton itself is a unique experience with its Historic downtown and small town feeling yet within minutes of every recreation imaginable. Ferry rides between islands, walks on the miles of sandy beaches, fishing, boating, amusement parks, and as if Lake Erie wasn't enough water, giant water parks are all within miles of each other.

The only way to the Islands is by boat or by plane. Both are available out of Sandusky, OH, or Port Clinton. Cars are allowed on the Islands and you can take yours on the Ferry, but sometimes it's nice to get around via bicycle or golf cart even. By the time you arrive at the Islands you already feel you have gone somewhere special. The trip across on the Ferry starts out your relaxing, romantic, or exciting weekend. Each person has a different idea on what makes a weekend perfect for them so the decision of which or how many of the Islands to visit is a very individual choice. A good place to start planning your weekend would be ShoresandIslands.com.

Hey it's Friday! Stop reading and get out of here!

Sources: Bigbear
Lake Erie